Overview
- MSE describes supermarkets as “cathedrals of consumerism” that use subtle retail psychology to influence purchases.
- Essential items are intentionally spread around stores so shoppers pass more temptations before reaching their goals.
- High‑margin lines are placed at eye level, with MSE advising customers to scan higher and lower shelves for better value.
- Sales‑style signage and terms such as “discount,” “sale,” or “premium” can create a false sense of a bargain or quality.
- Checkout areas feature impulse buys to capture last‑minute spending, which MSE says shoppers can avoid by keeping a budget in mind, reading fine print, and not shopping hungry.